No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the inherent freedom of all humans at birth, suggesting that ignorance is an obstacle to recognizing this truth.
John Milton's quote asserts that it is foolish for any knowledgeable person to deny the fundamental principle that all individuals are born with innate freedom. This idea aligns with broader philosophical discussions about human rights and liberty, suggesting that recognizing our natural freedom is a prerequisite for any civilized society. Ignorance or denial of this truth weakens the moral fabric of society, as it leads to injustice and oppression.
In practice
This quote can be used as a powerful statement in a speech about human rights.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
To my astonishment, everything that I had assumed was now questioned by the findings. What started off as a search for identity that appeared to be purely Scottish in origin ended up as a discovery of my migrant roots - indeed an understanding that almost all of our families, at some stage, have been migrants - and my European roots.
To use what has a boundary to pursue what is limitless is dangerous; with this knowledge, if we still go after knowledge, we will run into trouble. Do not do what is good in order to gain praise. If you do what is bad be sure to avoid the punishment. Follow the Middle Course, for this is the way to keep yourself together, to sustain your life, to care for your parents and to live for many years.
There are two sets of principles. They are the principles of power and privilege and the principles of truth and justice. If you pursue truth and justice it will always mean a diminution of power and privilege. If you pursue power and privilege, it will always be at the expense of truth and justice
Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.
The secret of the demagogue is to make himself as stupid as his audience so they believe they are clever as he.
We aren't upset when Paramount makes a $200 million movie that flops, but if a charity experiments with a $5 million fundraising event that fails, we call in the attorneys. So charities are petrified of trying bold new revenue-generating endeavors and can't develop the powerful learning curves the for-profit sector can.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.